Tuesday

#OAP101 Answering your questions on becoming a Sports Journalist and Monetising Content


This week's podcast is out and you can listen below.
I tackled two questions we got via our Instagram page on if media world has room for Sports OAPS, and How to Monetise Content.
To summarise
- Is there Room in the Industry for Sports OAPS?
The quickest response is YES.
Niche journalism is actually interesting and some niche content creators make more money or impact. If you want to be a Sports OAP, have a good grasp of Sports in general and one or two sports (like tennis and football or formula 1).
There's a world of content to explore including previews and predictions, team news, transfer undates and post game reviews!

- How to Monetise Content
What is the content? Where is it aired? These are some of the first questions to ask.
Having said that, there are 3 broad ways to monetise content
. Using the platform you are on
. Sponsorships
. Hypes and Promoted Posts.

Listen to the Podcast for the full gist on each one and don't forget to keep the questions and contributions going in our comments below!

Monday

#MondayMotivation In all your Building, Build Confidence!


My 'Quote of the Day' was from tennis player, Sloane Stephens and it is up on my Instagram now.
She basically says if you have confidence you can do anything and I have to concur!

I was thinking the other day of how sometimes even when it comes to fashion, confidence is key. I mean, how does Rihanna get away with her experimental sense of style? Because she is bad ass, and because she is confidence.

Confidence, where not innate, can be difficult to build. It requires a good blend of 'F what they say' and learning to listen. Confidence is being stubborn enough to not give up on what you believe, turning stumbling blocks into stepping stones and never staying down nor stagnant.

If like me, you struggle sometimes, there are some things that help
- Look good!
This is not about being shallow. If what you wear fits you well and you put your head up straight, you will automatically be more assured than if your clothes are loose fitting.

- Replace negative thoughts with the positive.
Instead of what you can't do or should not have done, think of the great things you do! When you have doubts, be realistic but think happy thoughts.

- Talk to yourself
Not on a bus o! Ehen.
When you can, just speak to yourself with your confidence confessions. A lot of battles are mental, give yourself that mental boost!

- Prepare
Research and read up on what you have to do so that when you do do it, it is with confidence.
If you are not well prepared say to present in your class or office, your confidence will go down the drains. When you feel 100 percent ready, you will be more confident already.

I hope this helps and do s.h.a.r.e what you do to boost your confidence with me in the comments.

MCM: FILM MAKER, MICHAEL AKINROGUNDE (AMAPSALMIST)

Hi guys!!! Monday is upon us again, I'm sure we are all doing well as many of us have the holidays ahead to look forward to. Today we are crushing on someone who has just achieved a feat in his life and we are so proud of him. 
Micheal or Ampsalmist (as he calls himself) is a film maker, editor, director, and script writer. He's a winner of the just concluded #Acceleratefilmmakerproject and his new movie premieres  today, there couldn't have been a better time to have this interview Enjoy! 
1)     You studied Mechanical engineering while in school, how did you discover your passion for script writing and movie making?

MICHAEL: Haha! Yes, I am a trained Mechanical Engineer! I do not remember exactly how I discovered my passion for script writing, it goes as far as I can think. For film however, it has to be when I had “correct sense”, sometime in secondary school. I just usually saw a lot of mistakes and was always commenting, then I started reading a lot and being involved in a lot of drama groups as literally anything. I started out acting, then writing, then I learnt how to direct. It’s a lifelong learning process, so I try to get around a lot of workshops, conversations and of course, film sets, it really helps to grow.



2)     How did you feel getting to the top 5 on the accelerate film maker competition and what's the biggest lesson you learnt from the competition?

MICHAEL: The experience at the Accelerate Filmmaker Project was unforgettable! Every day was such an education! An education filled with theoretical, practical and life experiences. As each facilitator stepped into the class, it quickly turned from a dream come true to a determination to make them proud because of the raw passion poured into their session. I can never forget it!  
- The biggest lesson I learnt from the competition is COLLABORATION! Film is a collaborative effort! It takes a VILLAGE to create a scene! 

3)     Your dream screenplay will be about what? ----(in one word)

MICHAEL: Africa.



4)     You have a day job as a brand manager, how do you find the time to work on your screenplays?

MICHAEL: Well, finding time is about planning and prioritizing, PLUS fighting laziness is necessary! I do not write daily but I definitely do something script-related. Read, write, develop, but I grow daily. 

5)     What’s one thing you hope to have done in the next ten years?
MICHAEL: One thing I hope to have do in ten years is INSPIRE Africans to go for greatness! 



6)     What’s your favourite movie?
MICHAEL: This changes but “The gods must be crazy” by Jamie Uys still has my heart.

7)     If you could get a Hollywood actor to star in your movie, who would it be?
MICHAEL: Leo-Idris Di Caprio-Elba. (Just take the name like that)


8)     What’s on your mind this Monday?
MICHAEL: F I L M and the power that comes with it. I strongly believe that film has influences beyond what happens in those minutes on screen. All decisions are from what we have seen, heard or believe, and I’m grateful film gives us control over that to such a large extent. So, be careful as to what you allow yourself to see and hear because more than you know, it influences how you act.


hmm, very powerful ending words.
Stay inspired!

SOCIAL 
IG: Amapsalmist
Twitter: Amapsalmist

His short film 'PENANCE' premieres soon


Wednesday

#OAP101 3 Things to Note when Co-hosting a Radio and Television Show or Event





Hi all.
Today I am answering one of the questions sent to us via dm on Instagram.
While on radio, I host my show alone, I have worked with co-hosts for television, youtube shows and also as an M.C at events.
.
What benefits are there when it comes to having a co-host?
The 1st is you have someone to cover for you if you're having an off day or minute, or cannot make it on the show in the case of media.
Another benefit is the instant interaction it gives because you have someone to bounce things off with and everything is conversational.

Sometimes there is a disadvantage to having one though. One big disadvantage is in cases where one person dominates the others or thinks of themselves as 'main' host. Another disadvantage is sharing the spotlight if you absolutely love it!

So how do you handle it and ensure you and your co-host deliver quality content to audiences and guests?
1. Understand that your co-host also has valid points, thoughts and feelings. Both of you need to find a way to work together as opposed to making it seem like a turn by turn thing. Bring ideas to the table, concede to some of theirs and suggest what you think will work.

2. Plan and Practice before you start
Before the show or event starts, it helps to speak to your co-host and for both of you to speak about things like who handles what, how you start and end the show etc.
Recently I had the pleasure of co-hosting at an event and my co-host and I decided we would start the show together, alternate going on stage and then close together and it worked brilliantly.
I have also been blessed to co-host with Ali Baba who had so many ideas and gave me space to shine.
I thoroughly enjoyed cohosting with Peter Kajovo

3. Emphasise each other's strengths and uniqueness.
Remember that if you both decide to speak and act the same, there is no point having two different people hosting. What you should do is play to each other's strengths and let each other shine.
I hope these help.
If you have questions for me, please leave them below as a comment, or send us a DM via our Instagram page, or my Twitter page.

WCW: LINDSEY ABUDEI

Hi guys, it's a few days to Christmas and I'm sure we are all super excited. Today, we are crushing on an amazing lady with such an angelic voice. Sorry to sound cliche but you know those times when you hear something so good and you're like 'who's singing that?' This was what happened the very first time I heard her song playing in a movie I was watching. Almost immediately, I checked her her out- She has so much soul, truth and originality infused in her music. She is a Nigerian neo-soul singer and songwriter.*drumroll*  Our woman crush is  LINDSEY ABUDEI




Hi Lindsey!

1)     You have an amazingly beautiful voice, if you could do a duet with any artiste in the world, who would it be?
Thank you. It would be Stevie Wonder.

2)    Your style of music is quite unique, what helps you stay true to your style?
The fact that it is me.An expression of myself.


3)     What genres of music do you love to listen to?
I listen to most genres.

4)     What’s your biggest fear?
Myself. The fear that I could be my own limitation.

5)      Tell us something about you that many people aren’t usually quick to believe?
Most people I meet do not believe that I am a very shy person.

6)     One fun thing you really love to do outside of work would have to be what?
Music dates.


7)     What one advice would you give to someone out there trying to chase a career in music?
Find, know and be yourself.

8)     What’s on your mind this Wednesday?
Wednesday:)

Stay inspired!





Tuesday

Ahead of the World Cup, Nigeria hires a second fitness coach


Nigeria will be looking to strengthen their team with more hands (or feet) on deck, ahead of the FIFA 2018 World Cup, especially following the results of the World Cup Draw.

In a group where our opponents are Croatia, Iceland and Messi, sorry, Argentina, we will have a lot of work to do. 

While on paper one can conclude that Argentina and Nigeria will end up top two, no one is counting Iceland out, especially after the last Euros; and although the last friendly between Nigeria and Argentina ended with a surprise win for the Eagles, the stakes will be much higher in Russia.

Gernot Rohr is therefore looking to use all the help he can get. He recently disclosed that his scouts are working hard to ensure only the best make his provisional 30-man team. 

He is also hiring Bernard Gines, who worked with him at OGC Nice between 2002 and 2005, as a second fitness coach for the Super Eagles. This is in addition to the physical trainer, Goal-Keeper trainer and a Video Analyst already hired.

 It is not just ‘man’power he is leaning on though as the Eagles are set to train with ‘FieldWiz’.

FieldWiz is an application that accurately measures the physical contribution of a player in training or a match using parameters like miles covered, reaction and speed.

Who do you think will come up tops in this group? 

Wednesday

WCW: Aderonke Enoabasi Adefalujo (Rhonkefella)

Hi Guys! Happy Wednesday, is it me or we are speeding towards the end of the year. I'm happy about that though. Hope we are all doing great? Great!
I'm not sure I remember well the first time I stumbled on Rhonkefella's page, but I know  that once I did, I became hooked. With lots of amazing fashion  wears to feed your eyes with, you can't but imagine the amount of hard work that goes into the work she does as a fashion designer, make-up artist, style blogger and influencer. I knew I had to have a chat with her to find out how she keeps her pages popping and with obviously so much on her plate, she still made out time for this interview! *how sweet* :)
Our Woman Crush is the loveable Ronke Enoabasi Adealujo popuarly known as Rhonkefella. Enjoy:)



Hi Aderonke!


1)      Many people see you as a style icon, do you ever feel under pressure to look stylish, especially when you don’t really feel like dressing too glam?

Ronke: I will rather say I'm blessed with a chameleon kind of beauty, when I'm not all glammed you probably wouldnt know that is Rhonkefella so outside the social media world, if I do not feel like being all dressed up , I don't force it, I just step out as ADERONKE not Rhonkefella!

2)      Your brand is quite popular and respectable on social media; what will be your top three tips for people who hope to grow their brand via social media?

Ronke: know your purpose
Stay original
Be consistent



3)      Please share with us one of your proudest moments in your career?
Ronke: being awarded and getting recognition for what I do makes me proud, when I started it was just all about my passion, never did I set out to be known or whatever, was just doing what I love, so having to be duly recognized and awarded is such an honor, and a thing of pride I must say!

4)      Have you ever had any embarrassing style moments? Please tell us about them?

Ronke::Not yet! Been keeping d CV clean🤣

5)      What’s your favourite fashion piece?

Ronke: glasses ( eye wear)


6)       A Style NO NO for you has to be what?

Ronke: whatever doesn't fit me, I won't wear it

7)       What’s that one thing you wish to do but haven’t yet done?

Ronke: singing and acting

8)      Tell us something about you/your work that many people don’t know about.

Ronke: my work is stressful, sometimes mentally and physically, sometimes depression sets in! Specially when you always wanna stay ahead of your game! I'm a creative so it first takes a lot of mind work before the putting pieces together


9)       If you were to choose one, what's something you’d like to change in the fashion industry ?
Ronke: Honestly nothing I can think of at this moment of this interview!


10)    What’s on your mind this Wednesday
Ronke: Money o! Never been this motivated to make more money, more great moves! Working on new collections at the moment it's about to be LIT

 Stay Inspired,
 For more of her glam photos:

Instagram: @therealrhonkefella
website: rhonkefella.com







Monday

MCM: DAMILARE OF LEGENDARY SHOT

Holla fam, Hope your Monday is going well? There's so much beauty to behold in this world, hence why I never get tired of interviewing  photographers. I get excited at the thought of picking their brains and knowing what goes on in their minds and in their eyes (or in the eyes of their mind lol)
Our Man Crush this monday is Damilare of Legendary Shot. Enjoy :)









Hi Damilare!

1) You take very creative shots, how do you choose stories to create?
Damilare: My social environment, things I see, movies , pictures etc mostly influence the kind of stories I get to create because those are my major source of inspiration. 

2) What do you love most about photography?
Damilare: The flexibility and also being able to create in my own way. I can't just imagine a better way of communicating and inspiring people than this.



3) What's been the most memorable photo shoot you've ever had?
Damilare: I would say this was a photoshoot I had back then in University (Landmark University) with a friend of mine , her name is Nashida and she's mixed. So I got this inspiration to just create a fictional portrait of her in terms making her look more like a Queen/goddess.
And with the help of some of my friends we got creative and was able to use a flowery bed-sheet to create a robe on our subject and also cotton poles as her staff and then we made use of flowers to create a very nice kind of halo on her head . My team pulled it through sincerely and I'm still very much grateful till date.



4) Tell us the top 3 people you'll love to take pictures of?
Damilare: Genevieve: I feel she's going to be a very interesting subject for me to make dreamy portraits with.
    Wizkid: We all know he's on top of his game right now but that's not a reason for me to want to create something with him.
I just really want to create portraits with him that would be able to interpret his story as an individual and not just a celebrity .
    Morgan Freeman: I just have that belief that this very talented man would be a great subject for me to make special portraits with. His movies are top notch and a must watch always.



5) How do you keep yourself constantly inspired?

Damilare: By constantly wanting more , I'm at this point where I feel like I need to do more , the hunger is always there to do more so I think that keeps the fire burning.

6) What's on your mind this Monday?
Damilare: Relaxation basically, hook up with friends , eat, talk and just have a good time .
Stay inspired!


You can follow Damilare on social media:
Instagram: @callmekoldre
Twitter: @callmekoldre

some of his works:




#MondayMotivation How to UNLearn



If I asked what you learnt recently, you would probably have a million responses.

What if I switched it up and asked what you UNlearnt recently?
There you may hesitate and look at me like I was mad.

I do believe though that life is about 
- Learning
- Unlearning, and 
- Relearning.

Let me explain.

The average person will learn something new everyday, either while on our daily commute, while watching or reading the news, or from something online.
I recently learnt that President Macron of France will be visiting Ghana, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast while covering the news for Kwesefied. (I then wondered, 'what happened to Naija na?!')

French President, Emmanuel Macron

But i digress.
Learning is easy, especially if we open ourselves to it.

ReLearning is also easy. There are things we have learnt before that we either take for granted or do not use and so must relearn them. I for example, had to relearn how to move my arm after I fractured it and wore a cast for weeks. The first day the cast was taken off, the doctor and nurse said, "Move your arm" and I thought I was doing it but guess what? My arm was NOT moving.
I then had to undergo a series of physiotherapy sessions to RElearn how to move my arm.
That was not fun I can tell you.

What may be fun or not fun depending on our attitude to it is UNlearning.
Imagine you grow up thinking something and 'knowing it for sure', then growing up and finding out you were wrong!
There are people who still argue the earth is flat while most say it is round.

If you do not open yourself up to letting go of wrong or false information you have, you may find yourself stuck in the mud and not growing. Learning, Unlearning and Relearning are all essential aspects of growth.

Can you s.h.a.r.e one thing you recently Learnt, Unlearnt or Relearnt, with me?

MCM: ACTOR, SEUN AJAYI

Hi guys! Happy new week, it’s the last week in November and I’m super excited the year is coming to an end.  Today, we are crushing on someone who has made a name for himself in the Nigerian Entertainment industry with superb acts in movies like Surul'ere, Gidi Up, Ojukokoro and Africa Magic’s  'Hustle' among others. He's an actor, voice over talent and MC, our Man Crush is the talented Seun Ajayi. Enjoy ;-)



Hi Seun!

1)      You’re an actor, why did you choose acting and how did you know this was what you really wanted to do? 
SEUN: I would honestly put it differently, that acting chose me. You see in my late teens I was in a bit of a struggle to find my identity and what my passion was. I had at many different times been a performer in church and other smaller platforms but I never thought of it professionally. One day while I watched the making of Spielberg's Minority Report, I was enthralled by the world behind creating such magic. That day, I just knew it was movies for me. Took a while to make the transition to professional levels but eventually that happened.

2)     Your role in ‘Surulere’ gained quite a lot of traction, how did you prepare for it?
SEUN: Arinze in Surulere was quite the experience, it was very refreshing working with the Director; Mildred Okwo, who I have to thank for guiding me along the lines of bringing that character alive. Weeks before we  hit production she would have long conversations with me about the character and the film. She did her directorial work way before the camera was powered on. This helped me to create a robust persona off the pages of the script.

3)     What do you love most about your career?
SEUN: What I like most about my career is the privilege of influence that it gives me.  How people are awestruck by the fact that I play a character they can relate with. To me I'm just doing my job but to them it's like magic. I love that about my work.


4)     Tell us one valuable lesson you’ve learnt from acting and how it relates to real life.

SEUN: There is a depth of concentration that is required for me to hit those emotional  notes in a performance. Whether it's a deeply emotional scene or one where I make an absolute fool of myself. There has to be a mental commitment to seeing it through, else I won't believe the performance and if I don't... nobody else will. The lesson here is, If you don't believe in your dreams and have the unwavering focus required... then no one else can buy into the vision.

5)     What’s one(or more)  Hollywood  movie(s) you wish you could co-star in?
SEUN: 1.  300 (If they ever make another instalment)
          2. Anything Ridley Scott directs
          3. I'd like to voice one of Disney's animated features, maybe play a villain.

6)    What are three things that make you happy?
SEUN: 
1.Faith in God & presence of Family
2.Living at full potential
3. Conquering things that scare me

7)     What’s one piece of advice that you hold dearly.

SEUN: When you are presented with two choices, take the path that secures your tomorrow, not the one that gives pleasure only for now.


8)     Please tell us one thing you would like to change in the Nigerian film industry?
SEUN: The thing that consumes my heart daily is the lack of financial stability among many professionals within the industry, on the scene and behind the scenes. I think it's a state of emergency and we need to talk about it and start fashioning ways to end the cycle of lack.

9)     What’s on your mind this Monday?
SEUN: This Monday I am thinking a lot about just being better; being a better husband and family member, a better actor, a better friend, a better citizen of the country and the world. I am sent to these different sects of life and I am poised to do right by them all, so you see my point.

Stay Inspired!


PS: If you have anyone you’d like for me to interview, please let me know in the comments section.

Saturday

Does Red Lipstick make you look Older?

I loved my mum's bag when I was growing up because I swear she had everything in it.
I should do a series on that. Lol.

One of her favourite items in her bag was her red lipstick which I would watch her apply. My mum can skip anything- brows, blush, powder, but never her lipstick.
Years later, she still swears by red.

I on the other hand have had a love hate relationship with red lipstick- I love to hate it. I think it ages me and never use it directly. My Make Up artists love to use it on me though and I try not to protest too much.





Truth is from your hair to your skin to the colours you wear, there are things that can make you look older or younger depending on what you are looking for. Purple for example tends to sympolise royalty or age while pinks and florals are more girly girl.


You can get away with red though if
- it is the perfect shade for you
- it is applied and lined properly.
- it is not red. Loooooool



What do you think?
Does red lipstick age?






Wednesday

WCW: DOLAPO ADELEKE AKA. LOWLADEE

Hi everyone, so very quickly allow me to tell you guys about this series I just discovered and am currently obsessed with. It's a series that touches on the lives of a newly wedded young couple and it basically portrays their joys, challenges, and how they overcome. Boy this series takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions! You'll legit be crying at something very emotional that has just happened and in that same minute something funny happens that reminds you it's not that deep.  The series is called -THIS IS IT and I was honestly very amazed by it, I just had to find the writer- Coincidentally, she's also the writer of my best short movie- BRAVE. You can imagine my joy when she agreed to do this short interview-Today is a powerful Wednesday and we have a powerful woman to beautifully complement the day, Our woman crush is the talented Dolapo Adeleke AKA Lowladee. Enoy ;-)




Hi Lowladee!

1)      You started your media house, Doreen media Africa, soon after your graduation from the university, did you get any professional training before then ?
Lowladee: I didn't get a professional training. Haha I know right! but see there's information around us.  I consumed a lot of materials; reading on Google and watching videos on Youtube to be honest and then I practised a lot with short films.I really wanted to go to film school but it was way too expensive Jeezes! That way I knew where my strengths were and developed on it.

2)      What experience would you describe as life changing in your CAREER so far?
Lowladee: Wow, it has to be THIS IS IT series. It's been the most challenging, the most stretching, and the most rewarding.


3)      ‘Taxify’ is a major sponsor for the second season of your hit series ‘This is it’ how did that happen and how easy/hectic is it getting funds for a movie project?
Lowladee: Haha,  We (I and some Execs) used our funds to film season 2. Taxify only came on board a week to us releasing it online. They supported with us some money, and also lots of Taxify units for the Execs. They aren't a major sponsor that's why on our artworks it's 'Supported by' not 'Sponsored by'. It's really hard as an independent to get money from the big corporate. I mean, we even sealed one but their timing didn't work with mine and so I turned it down.

4)      What keeps you going when things aren’t moving as well as you’ve planned?
Lowladee: GOD. Literally. I would have lost my mind a long time ago.


5)      What’s your favourite thing to do outside of work?
Lowladee: I'm a home buddy but being snuggled under my duvet seeing a movie and traveling!



6)      What do you think about the most when you’re in your car?
Lowladee: Recently? You don't even want to know. Whispering* In recent times, some male specie. Other than that, I'm looking forward to my vacation in January. Haven't had one since I started working. Ever. But If you mean generally, I usually just think about random stuff. Its one of the moments I get to think about other normal things in life asides work.


7)      Tell us 3 (material) things you can’t live without?
Lowladee: My laptop, headphones and Wifi.

8)      What advice would you give to your 20 year old and 40 year old self?
Lowladee: LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH OUT REALLY REALLY LOUD!!!


9)      What’s on your mind this Wednesday?
Lowladee: I have just wrapped up THIS IS IT show, and it feels great, I feel stretched and free, I can now play so yea you guessed right, my vacation in January. Hehe!

Hope you enjoyed that?
Stay Inspired!











Monday

MCM: BOLANLE NINALOWO

Hi all! Happy Monday. It was a very busy weekend for me and today hasn't quite settled in as a Monday. (Work from home problems LOL) In anyway, the joy today's interview gives me knows no bounds and that's because our MCM is the main character in my best Nigerian movie of 2017 -Picture Perfect. Our Man Crush is Bolanle Ninaowo AKA Nino. I mean, his character in the movie was the perfect edge that the movie needed. I am very happy to have chatted with him and he easily revealed so much. I hope this enlightens, entertains and inspires you. Enjoy :)



Hi Bolanle!

1)     Why exactly did you choose to be an actor and not something else?
NINO: Truth is I always wanted to do something that was driven by my passion. I had done other things before acting but I never found fulfillment. I was once an accountant and later a banker for a few years. At some point I had to summon the courage to embark on a new journey of self discovery which for me was the prerequisite to self fulfillment. ‎Entertainment was a key place of interest since most of my life inspiration came from there. I loved success stories; to see people go from nothing or being no one to become something the world appreciates was one of the biggest admiration. That to me was the definition of passion and to find your passion, you need to try many things so I decided to give acting a try. I immediately found love for it and the next thing was how to turn my new found love into a craft and eventually a career. With all my past lessons, experiences and hard work coupled with God's grace, wisdom and favor, I took a small step everyday, remained focused on my goals and today I am seeing dreams come to reality. I have chosen to be an actor because that's where I found my passion. Something I would do under any given circumstance whether for free or to be paid. It is something I can and have invested myself in. It is my dream turn reality.

2)     Your role as ‘Jobe’ in the movie ‘Picture Perfect’ gained so much traction, how does that make you feel and what made you confident enough to take the role?

NINO: I thank God for Grace. I feel extremely grateful to God. As I mentioned earlier, passion is what drives my life. I found love for a craft where you have to constantly challenge yourself to gain or achieve any substance. My ‎goals and self expectation are my core reasons for taking the role. I realized early in life that if I want the benefit of anything, then I must also be 100% open to the costs of it. I must be willing and able to give everything for what I want. Thank God for the opportunity and the wisdom to make the right decisions. I went into solitude for the "Jobe" character. I did all I could with the limited resources I had which were to self coach on his accent, I went to motor parks to study the mannerisms he needed, I was a bus driver and also took turn as the bus conductor at the popular Ojuelegba for two weeks as part of my main study. I surrounded myself and liaised with people of his caliber throughout the period and when the time for filming came, I went in with God and did my part. Today I have seen that God was indeed with me as a result of Jobe's acceptance. I am overwhelmed and extremely thankful to God and all who came together to make the film a reality. Jobe was a big risk I took which could have made or broken my career. I give all the glory to God for his grace has made the result a favourable one.




3)     What has been the proudest moment you’ve ever had since the beginning of your career? 
NINO: My proudest moment was at the private screening of the picture perfect movie.‎ It was my first cinema appearance in a movie with no famous guest appearance so I didn't know what to expect. My experience from start to the finish at the event was overwhelming. It has to be my proudest.

4)       Do you sometimes get scared of the future and how do you deal with the feeling if it comes? 
NINO: Yes I do but I have been able to control my fears over time by building and utilizing daily rituals which becomes a norm over time. I create mantras to guide myself by sharing them with friends. I inspire myself by inspiring others. I tell others what I want to hear to help me move forward. First I commit all to God and then I make use of the things I have control of in the best positive manner I can. I realized that my fears are feelings and not facts and every step I have conquered today was at the death of a fear. I remain counting my blessings, then I find myself counting many more. I keep the bible which I call my manual of life close to me for reference in the time of fear or confusion.‎ The only fear I have today is the fear of God taking his grace from me. I have almost become proficient at fighting and overcoming any others.

5)     Tell us one valuable lesson you’ve learnt from acting that actually applies to real life? 
NINO:  It's that"Time and Chance happens to all"

6)     If you could be in a movie/series you like, which would it be?
NINO: It would be Xmen. I would love to be Wolverine.

7)     Please give us an insight into the various stages of preparation you (personally) go through when there’s a movie shoot ahead?
NINO: First I read my script, then I read a second time with focus on the character I am playing. I do the necessary research on key facts concerning the character in cases where I get to play people from various professions. I pray, and then I go on set‎ and give my best.

8)     What’s on your mind this Monday?
NINO: Thank God for Grace. Lets go and prosper

Stay Inspired guys!

Saturday

Pictures and Fun Facts from Serena Williams' wedding to Alexis Ohanian



I tweeted earlier today that if you read the story of how Alexis Ohanian and Serena Williams first met, you would definitely thank fate and fairy-tales.
If you have never read it, read it here.
To summarise, she went down for breakfast at a hotel but when breakfast had closed so she sat by the pool with her team. Alexis had also come downstairs and decided to go to the pool as well. When he sat close to them, her friends tried to get rid of him by telling him there was a rat on the table. On the day they met, she had not known of Reddit, a company he co-founded, and he was not a fan of Tennis.

Imagine that.

Anyways, this beautiful couple got married on Thursday the 17th of November and there begins our fun facts from their day.

- They chose the date, November 17th because that is the date Alexis' mum passed on.

- Serena wore 3 dresses. The first one was by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen and the other two were by Versace.

Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen


- NIKE customised a pair of sneakers for her to wear which she did after the vows and first wedding dance.

- Guests at the star-studded ceremony include Ciara, Kelly Rowland and her husband, Beyonce, Jay Z and Beyonce's mum, Tina Knowles, Lala Anthony and Eva Longoria and her husband.

- The decor was done by Preston Bailey. ('Funner' fact- My sister adores Preston Bailey)


- The couple did a choreography for their first dance (they danced to 'Tale as Old as Time') and also surprised guests when they danced with the band New Edition.



- Alexis had one last surprise for Serena- a carousel. She reportedly squealed in joy when she saw it.

What is one fun fact you love about the wedding?


Wednesday

WCW: IBUKUN AWOSIKA

Hi guys! Its another Wednesday. Hope you all are doing well? Today, we are crushing on the CEO of Fiber Rose- Ibukun Awosika- people  always think she's related to  the renowned First bank Chairman, Ibukun Awosika but she's not.I spoke to her about her about her style, motivation and of course, her  fashion company called Fiber Rose- Enjoy ;)







Hi Ibukun!

1)      When and how did you get the idea for Fiber Rose? 
       
IA: I was 17 in my second year of uni. I had run a make up sales business in my first year and a friend suggested it to me. I was opposed to it but eventually came around and I'm glad I did

2)      What would you say has been your proudest moment since the Fiber rose journey began?
     
IA: I really don't know if I have a proudest moment but it's been a combination of many things. This year I started out with a goal to release two Ready to Wear collections but I've surpassed          that and that makes me so happy. I was nominated for an award and I thought that was cool too.

3)      One thing that makes you/will make you fulfilled.
IA: What makes me fulfilled is actually impacting others. Either from making them feel special in my clothes or by sharing my knowledge. I'm obsessed with sharing my knowledge! The                   moment I learn something, I want someone else to know. Lol

4)      What motivates you even when things are not going right?
IA: I think it will be kind of looking back on how far I've come. When the future seems overwhelming I take a moment to look at my journey and the things I'm grateful for.



5)      Best Fashion related advice you’ve ever heard/given?
IA: Best Fashion advice I've gotten is that style isn't about the clothes you wear but about you. I'm still finding what my style is and owning it. Best I've given I think would be that when you             buy clothes, it's an asset because you're investing in your look and other people's perception of you! I mean after hearing that don't you just want to shop Fiber Rose!

6)      3 people you’d really love to see wearing  ‘Fiber Rose’.
     
    1. Mrs Ibukun Awosika
    2. Tara Durotoye
    3. A First Lady/President

7)      One unpopular belief that you have?
IA:  That animals are not to be trusted because I think they're about to attack at any given time. But I'm getting a puppy soon though! Lol



8)      What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
     
IA: My YouTube! I started learning Video Editing this year and I LOVE EET!!! And combining that with being able to share my knowledge is gold. So subscribe to my Youtube - TheHotstuffTV *wink*


9)     What's it like being a namesake of Ibukun Awosika (chairman, First bank)?
IA:  I never feel intimidated by it. I feel very inspired really. Something cool you might want to know is we both spoke at an event once. And they had to keep referring to us as either
 Ibukun Awosika Snr or Ibukun Awosika Jnr. I thought that was funny lol.  I've always wanted to keep my name when I get married but I decided that if she could marry into a family and               make it hers then my goal is make a great name out of mine. I definitely have high standards to live up to but it definitely inspires me to do more

10)     What’s on your mind this Wednesday? (Anything you want to say)
     
IA:  My secondary school had this quote up, 'Character is who you are in the dark'. Thinking about this, I would say, don't do things ecause people are watching but because it's the right thing          to do but the truth is someone is always watching so make sure they're inspired by you.


Stay Inspired guys!

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